Should I study abroad? 5 questions to find out if you’re ready to study abroad in 2023

At first, the decision to study abroad may seem easy. Who doesn’t want the opportunity to explore a completely different country and culture while meeting inspiring people from all over the world? but is it good for you? And if so, are you ready?

Many prospective study abroad students tend to wonder whether or not they are ready to continue their studies abroad. There are many important things to consider before deciding whether you should study abroad.

Will studying abroad help me achieve my long-term goals?

If you’re already considering studying abroad, you probably have some ideas about how it could benefit you, but have you explored them?

Students go abroad for very different reasons. According to our study abroad survey , the top reasons are achieving career goals, experiencing a new culture, access to higher quality education, and personal development.

Exploring your motivations will help ensure you’re making a good decision and will also help you start narrowing down locations and schools.

Is there a country or city that is right for me?

If you’ve never been abroad before, perhaps all you know about a foreign country is what you’ve seen in movies or on Instagram. While this is a good start, it is important to better understand your motivations for moving your studies to a new country.

In our study abroad survey, students choose their country of study based most often on the cost of living, language and culture, as well as the safety and socio-economic climate of the country. country.

Wondering where to study abroad?

Pay attention to what interests or interests you about a potential city or country.. These considerations will give you an idea of ​​what to think about when wondering how to decide where to study abroad. Your study abroad program will be worth it if you take full advantage of every aspect of your new environment.

When you find a country that aligns with your values ​​and vision, you’ll want to start researching specific cities or universities, as culture, cost of living, safety, and other factors can vary widely.

Are there schools and programs that match my interests?

If you’re wondering, ‘Should I study abroad?’, an important factor will be the opportunities a foreign institution might offer you. By opening your choice of university internationally, you will have a good chance of finding a school that matches your academic and social interests.

While some students prefer to research a country or city first, others prioritize which program or school they might get into.

According to our study abroad survey, the most popular ways to rate schools for study abroad are perceptions of teaching quality, overall reputation, career services and connections with industry, and accommodation factors.

Ask current students about their personal experiences abroad. At educations.com, you can chat with students to learn directly from them what it’s like to study abroad at their school. You’ll discover valuable details, such as whether one program allows more flexibility for traveling and socializing than another. If travel is not your goal, a program that offers internships or work opportunities might be more suitable.

Eventually, almost everyone leaves their homes. However, moving abroad for the first time as a young student can make the distance between you and your family and friends greater. Even if it’s not your first time away from home, the decision to travel and study abroad on your own can be difficult.

You should consider your family obligations and commitments and determine whether these can be met through virtual communication . You might also think about prioritizing your studies in the short term for the opportunities they will bring in the future.

If you’re worried about meeting new people while studying abroad, know that many schools offer support networks for international students in addition to other student activities on the menu!

Does studying abroad fit my budget?

When you’re wondering: Should I study abroad?, it’s helpful to consider all your expenses in advance, especially if you don’t plan to work abroad.

Understanding the cost of tuition, housing, food and extracurricular activities will help you determine affordability as well as your extra funds for traveling or hanging out with your new friends. If you plan your budget in advance, you will be better prepared when you arrive to ensure you live within your means.

If you’re not sure if you have enough money or if you would feel better if you had a little more, consider applying for a scholarship . Research the scholarships you are eligible for and pay attention to the due dates.